This abstract (#427), “Randomized Trial of Ibrutinib Versus Ibrutinib Plus Rituximab in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia,” was presented during Oral Session: 642. “CLL: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Targeting MRD Negative CLL Through Combinations of Novel Agents and Antibody.” In the summary below, data from the live session at ASH is used and therefore may supersede information in the pre-published Abstract.

Highlights

While median time to achieve CR was significantly shorter in IB+R patients compared to IB, this did not translate to superior PFS

While the addition of rituximab to ibrutinib in relapsed and high-risk CLL patients did not improve PFS, it’s hard to ignore the rapid and durable nature observed in these patients. While these results won’t change the current treatment paradigm (with single-agent ibrutinib standard-of-care), this finding may bear additional investigation. What’s more, some may choose to explore the option of adding rituximab to ibrutinib for patients whom a faster response is paramount.

Nov 15, 2016

Jan 24, 2018

Jan 29, 2018

Professional society

The European Lymphoma Institute is comprised of a network of top European specialists in the field of lymphoma who are dedicated to research, training and education. Together they look to define strategies to analyse and characterize lymphoma and its common diagnostic procedures and therapeutic standards, as well as to facilitate clinical and fundamental research. This all results in the advancement of lymphoma research and it guarantees equal access for all patients to the best possible care.